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An update about IRT Macarthur Aged Care Centre

22 August 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

As you will be aware, we are currently managing your loved one’s aged care centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan.

This is in response to some of our residents being diagnosed with COVID-19. The outbreak management plan outlines best practice steps for infection control including the establishment of zones within the care centre, co-horting of staff in specific areas, and the requirements for ensuring where possible that residents remain in their rooms.

In consultation with the local public health unit, the plan also outlines the regime for regular testing of residents in the care centre to ensure any further cases are detected as early as possible.

Test results

We have received the results from PCR tests conducted on Friday and yesterday and pleasingly all were negative.

In further good news more of our residents who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 have reached their full recovery criteria and are now able to leave their rooms.

We are now caring for nine residents with the virus (in Banksia, Wattle and Orchid wings). They are all stable and managing their symptoms which for some are the result of secondary infection.

While we care for residents who are yet to reach their recovery criteria (which is when a person reaches at least 10 days since diagnosis and another 24 hours without symptoms) all residents will be served their meals in their rooms. Those who have had the virus and are deemed recovered, can meet with each other in common areas, but until the outbreak is declared over group activities remain on hold.

Next tests

All residents who have not already tested positive to COVID-19 will be tested again on Wednesday. If your loved one returns a positive result staff will let you know by phone and continue to update you on their progress.

I will provide you with another update later this week which will include the tests results, and hopefully news of more of our residents reaching their full recovery criteria and next steps regarding transition out of the outbreak.

Visiting arrangements

While there is still a risk of transmission of the virus within the care centre, visiting arrangements remain restricted as follows. Please assist our staff by complying with them. 

  • Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
  • No children under the age of 12 years are permitted to visit.
  • All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
  • All visitors are asked to wear all necessary PPE at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask, face shield and gown which will be provided on entry. You will also be instructed on how to dispose of your PPE safely when leaving.
  • Please wear your PPE as instructed by staff. If a staff member asks you to adjust it they are doing so to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.

Please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have another contagious virus.

Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.

Thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres

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